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Michael Miller's goal in the 45th minute stood up as the Spartans defeated No. 13 Georgetown, 1-0, in the third round of the NCAA tournament Sunday.(Photo: Al Goldis | For the Lansing State Journal)Buy Photo

Miller's 45-minute blast from well outside the box gave Michigan State a 1-0 lead, and the Spartans made the goal stand as they advance to the Elite Eight for the second consecutive season with the victory over the Hoyas.

It is Michigan State's (13-4-4) second upset victory in as many matches after it beat No. 4 Louisville, 2-1, in overtime last weekend. The Spartans will play either No. 12 Virginia Tech or James Madison for the chance to reach the Final Four and play in the College Cup.

Miller's was unexpected in two ways: It was his first goal of the season and it came entirely against the run of play. Miller's golazo was the Spartans' only shot on target in the first half, as the Hoyas dictated play with seven shots, but only one was on frame.

Miller unleashed his shot from the left side of the field toward the right post. Georgetown goalkeeper Giannis Nikopolidis got a paw on it, but only hit it as far as the inside of the right post, and the ball caromed into the back of the net for the goal.

”Sometimes in these games you need a player to step up. Obviously, Michael Miller made a huge play on a great goal,” said MSU coach Damon Rensing in a press release.

Georgetown's two best chances of the match came in those first 45 minutes.

In the second minute, Achara was unmarked inside the 6-yard box as he received a cross but somehow skied the shot over the crossbar.

In the 22nd minute, Georgetown thought it had scored off a corner kick as Hoya players raised their hands in the air and looked to the official for a call, but it was ruled that Michigan State defenders had cleared the ball off the line. Unlike last week's match vs. Louisville, there was no video replay available Sunday.

Trying to chase the equalizer in the final 20 minutes, Georgetown was only able to mount one or two serious threats at MSU goalkeeper Jimmy Hague. But Michigan State kept its defensive shape for the most part.

This is the fourth time in six years the Spartans have reached the Elite Eight, also making it in 2013, 2014 and 2017.

”To go to the Elite Eight back-to-back years and four times in the last six years is awesome,” Rensing said.

For the third consecutive tournament game, Michigan State was outshot, this time 17-9 in favor of the Hoyas. But also for the second straight game, the Spartans had more shots on goal, 4-3.

Hague made three saves in earning his ninth shutout of the season.

The Big Ten Conference has three teams in the final eight, as No. 2 Indiana and No. 11 Maryland both won its third-round matches.